Sonoma State University institutional logo

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, United States • Founded 1960

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: SSU
Founded: 1960
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Motto: Lux Mentis, Lux Orbis
Colours: Navy blue and Columbia blue
Mascot: Lobo the Seawolf
Sonoma State University academic and student spaces
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Established in 1960, the Sonoma State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Rohnert Park (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Sonoma State University (SSU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Sonoma State University (SSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 64-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

SSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Where Sonoma State University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.

Address: 1801 East Cotati Avenue
Postal Code: 94928-3609
Phone: +1 (707) 664 2880
Fax: +1 (707) 664 4060
Social Media:

Academic Details

The basic academic profile of Sonoma State University, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.

Recognition: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Students: 5,166
Student Enrollment: 7
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
California State University System (CSU) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Sonoma State University's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.

Unit 6 items
  • School of Arts and Humanities
  • School of Business and Economics
  • School of Education
  • School of Extended Education
  • School of Science and Technology
  • School of Social Sciences

Programs Offered

Find a programme at Sonoma State University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.

58 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 37 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Bachelor's Degree in Dance
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts

Showing 10 of 37.

Master's Degree 20 programmes

Master's Degree in Agricultural Business and Management
Agriculture
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in Engineering Science
General Engineering
Master's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Master's Degree in Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Film & Animation
Master's Degree in Historic Preservation and Conservation
Liberal Arts

Showing 10 of 20.

Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

How to apply to Sonoma State University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Sonoma State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Sonoma State University

    Use the programme finder to browse Sonoma State University's 58 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Sonoma State University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Sonoma State University processes applications through www.sonoma.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (707) 664 2880. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonoma State University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Sonoma State University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When was Sonoma State University founded?

Sonoma State University was established in 1960 (approximately 66 years ago).

In which city is Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University is based in Rohnert Park, United States.

Is Sonoma State University a public or private institution?

Sonoma State University operates as a public institution.

How many students study at Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University has approximately 7,000-7,999 students.

What is Sonoma State University's academic structure?

Sonoma State University has 6 academic units.

Is Sonoma State University officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Where can I learn more about Sonoma State University?

The institution's website is www.sonoma.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

The leading universities in the United States are listed below — useful for sizing Sonoma State University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United States typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Joint conference hosting among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at Sonoma State University and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.

Faculties at nearby universities

Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Sonoma State University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Interested in Liberal Arts but want alternatives to Sonoma State University? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.

Universities Compared with Sonoma State University

Students applying to Sonoma State University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Sonoma State University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.

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